Prof"fer*er (?), n. One who proffers something.
{ Pro*fi"cience (?), Pro*fi"cien*cy (?) }, n. The quality of state of
being proficient; advance in the acquisition of any art, science, or
knowledge; progression in knowledge; improvement; adeptness; as, to
acquire proficiency in music.
Pro*fi"cient (?), n. [L. proficiens, -entis, p. pr. of proficere to go
forward, make progress; pro forward + facere to make. See Fact, and cf.
Profit, (&?;)] One who has made considerable advances in any business,
art, science, or branch of learning; an expert; an adept; as,
proficient in a trade; a proficient in mathematics, music, etc.
Pro*fi"cient (?), a. Well advanced in any branch of knowledge or skill;
possessed of considerable acquirements; well-skilled; versed; adept,
Pro*fi"cient*ly, adv. In a proficient manner.
Pro*fic"u*ous (?), a. [L. proficuus.] Profitable; advantageous; useful.
[Obs.] Harvey.
Pro"file (?), n. [It. profilo, fr. L. pro before + filum a thread, an
outline, shape: cf. F. profil. See File arow, and cf. Purfle, Purl, a
fringe.] 1. An outline, or contour; as, the profile of an apple.
2. (Paint & Sculp.) A human head represented sidewise, or in a side
view; the side face or half face.
3. (a) (Arch.) A section of any member, made at right angles with its
main lines, showing the exact shape of moldings and the like. (b)
(Civil Engin.) A drawing exhibiting a vertical section of the ground
along a surveyed line, or graded work, as of a railway, showing
elevations, depressions, grades, etc.
Profile paper (Civil Engin.), paper ruled with vertical and horizontal
lines forming small oblong rectangles, adapted for drawing profiles.
Pro"file, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Profiled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Profiling]
[Cf. F. profiler, It. profilare. See Profile, n.] 1. to draw the
outline of; to draw in profile, as an architectural member.
2. (Mech.) To shape the outline of an object by passing a cutter around
it.
Profiling machine, a jigging machine.
Pro"fil*ing, n. (Fort.) In the construction of fieldworks, the erection
at proper intervals of wooden profiles, to show to the workmen the
sectional form of the parapets at those points.
Pro"fil*ist, n. One who takes profiles.
Pro"fit (?), n. [F., fr. L. profectus advance, progress, profit, fr.
profectum. See Proficient.] 1. Acquisition beyond expenditure; excess
of value received for producing, keeping, or selling, over cost; hence,
pecuniary gain in any transaction or occupation; emolument; as, a
profit on the sale of goods.
Let no man anticipate uncertain profits.
Rambler.
2. Accession of good; valuable results; useful consequences; benefit;
avail; gain; as, an office of profit,
This I speak for your own profit.